Protective helmet; Method for mitigating or preventing a head injury

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a protective helmet and a method for mitigating or preventing a head injury, in which a shock-absorbing, or shock-absorbing and comfort-providing, inner wearing unit, which can comprise liners, comfort pads, protective pads, nubbed cages and/or strapped wearing units (for example spider-shaped wearing elements, wearing straps, head bands or the like), is divided into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, which can be counter-rotated (preferably starting from application of a predetermined force) in at least one direction, wherein a sliding surface is provided that assumes the function of a rotational surface, so that the angular acceleration introduced by a blow is drastically reduced or prevented because the head-side insert and the shell-side insert, and thus the head of the wearer and the outer helmet shell, can be counter-rotated quickly and without impediment, preferably in all directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many protective helmets are known, which are used to protect the head of a wearer from injuries. These protective helmets are adapted to the human head, which, when seen from above, has an oval shape, which can be classified as a “round oval” shape or a “long oval” shape. Protective helmets that are ordinarily on the market assume this shape in order to resemble the human head, and in particular so as to have a narrow appearance. Narrow helmets which, as seen looking only from the front, appear to be small, sell well on the market. Round helmets which, as seen looking from the front, appear to be wide, are not successful on the market.

In general, these protective helmets, which can have various configurations depending on the field of application, comprise: an outer shell, which is produced from a hard material and typically has a basic oval shape; and a shock-absorbing inner wearing unit, which absorbs impacts to the head and is disposed on the inner face of the outer shell and likewise has an oval shape on the side that faces the human head (inner face). The disadvantage of these protective helmets is that, while they offer protection from blows striking the protective helmet or the bump cap thereof translatorily, they offer no protection from rotatory forces acting during the blow, so that, for example, many accidents result in severe head injuries despite the use of a protective helmet.

The European patent specification EP 0 790 787 B1 describes protective headgear, on the outer shell of which a sliding surface is disposed. A thin, tough skin is disposed on this sliding surface and slides on the hard outer shell of the protective helmet during the action of a blow, whereby angular acceleration of the head caused by the blow is reduced, because the skin acts on the outer face in the manner of the epicranium of the human head. It must be regarded as disadvantageous that the outward appearance of the protective helmet is negatively influenced by the skin.

So as not to negatively influence the outward appearance, the European patent specification EP 1 246 548 B1 describes a protective helmet in which a thin sliding shell is introduced between the inner shell and the outer shell. The inner shell is thus rotated relative to the outer shell and reduces the angular acceleration that is introduced. The disadvantage of this solution is that the rotary motion is inhibited by the oval shape of the helmet in the general form thereof.

The European patent specification DE 696 34 862 T2 proposes a protective helmet in which an inner wearing unit made of synthetic resin foam is disposed on the inside of the hard, outer shell, wherein the inner wearing unit is composed of a primary insert part and a secondary insert part, which is fitted in a cut-out provided in the primary insert part. The density of the secondary insert part ranges between 20% and 80% of the density of the primary insert part. Thus, good protective action is achieved, but this solution is very complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In contrast, the protective helmet according to the invention and the method according to the invention provide for mitigating or preventing a head injury, and has the advantage that, by dividing the shock-absorbing, or shock-absorbing and comfort-providing, inner wearing unit, which can comprise liners, comfort pads, protective pads, nubbed cages and/or strapped wearing units (for example spider-shaped wearing elements, wearing straps, head bands or the like), into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, which can be counter-rotated (preferably starting from application of a predetermined force) in at least one direction, a sliding surface is provided that assumes the function of a rotational surface, so that the angular acceleration introduced by a blow is drastically reduced or prevented, because the head-side insert and the shell-side insert, and thus the head of the wearer and the outer helmet shell, can be counter-rotated quickly and without impediment, preferably in all directions. The division can relate to the shock-absorbing and/or the non-shock-absorbing part of the inner wearing unit.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the sliding surface is a spherical surface, which may be defined by portions of the hemispherical body, and/or a rotationally symmetrical body (for example, rotational ellipsoids and the like) alone.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the head-side insert and the shell-side insert have different densities. The inner wearing unit can be produced from closed-cell and/or open-cell foams. In general, all materials that are suited for absorbing shocks in protective helmets are conceivable. This also includes soft foams, which are only used for comfort padding, nubbed cages or other wearing units.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the densities inside the head-side insert and/or inside the shell-side insert vary. This makes it possible to adapt the material to the special requirements, in accordance with the geometry of the protective helmet in the different regions thereof, which can be subject to various requirements in terms of the strength of the material used. To this end, the use of liners made of foamed materials, and preferably particle foam materials (particle foams), notably expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), polyurethane (PU), or the like, is advantageous. In general, separate segments are produced for the different regions. The density of the individual components is adapted to the regional variances. Subsequently, the components are joined by means of plug connections, adhesive connections or foamed connections.

Moreover, components produced by means of multi-zone foaming (multi-density), having up to 3 different densities in one component, can be used, preferably as dual-density liners. To this end, the density is varied within a component in a two-stage process. The individual zones are delimited by slides, so as to produce these components. The zones are filled separately and prefabricated. During the shaping process, the slides are pulled from the tool and the beads of the individual zones are welded to one another to form a component. With this method, precisely delimited regions having various densities can be produced. As an alternative, it is also possible to produce a component having various densities using a single-stage process, by deliberately filling the tool regions in part utilizing the filling pressure or by means of an air curtain. With these methods, the differently prefoamed beads mix at the boundaries. This results in components having transitional regions with average densities at the zone boundaries.

The combination of the two technologies is also advantageous. For this purpose, large segments are produced using multi-density methods, in particular dual-density methods, and combined with smaller segments having a simpler design.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the head-side insert and/or the shell-side insert have surfaces with no irregularities that are caused by spraying in the EPS process, because a process using a locally nozzle-free tool is employed or because a tool having a porous surface is used.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the head-side insert and/or the shell-side insert have (golf ball) structured surfaces so as to countersink the imprints of the nozzles in the EPS shaping process and prevent irregularities on the surface.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, an intermediate layer is disposed between the head-side insert and the shell-side insert. The intermediate layer can positively affect the shock absorption if it is particularly rigid and, for example, produced from carbon fibers. If no full intermediate layer is present, for example, punctiform, star-shaped or crosswise sliding sites, are conceivable. It is also conceivable for the intermediate layer to be a liquid or a gel. In this case, the viscosity of the liquid or the gel is adjusted so that it can be used to achieve various friction coefficients (shear values) and thus various accelerations. In this way, the angular acceleration progression can be adjusted.

According to a relevant advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the intermediate layer is rigidly connected to the head-side insert or the shell-side insert.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the intermediate layer is harder than the head-side insert.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the head-side insert and the shell-side insert are connected to one another by at least one connecting means. It is conceivable for this connecting means to be a press-fitted EPS body, which can additionally absorb energy for shock absorption (keyword: rigid mounting). It is also conceivable for this connecting means to be a spring shock absorber system, which returns the system to the starting position. A preferred embodiment can be rubber bands (for example in double-T shape) (keyword: floating mounting).

According to a relevant advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the connecting means comprises at least one predetermined breaking point.

This predetermined breaking point can also be a textile structure, which tears open at a controlled force. The predetermined breaking point can also be provided in the connecting means, preferably an EPS cylinder or cone (dowel). This cylinder is preferably exactly adjusted to the respective test standard with respect to the break-away force thereof. Variations are conceivable by way of the relative density, bead size and diameter of the predetermined breaking point, with the defined break-away also being possible by means of a metal cutting plate.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the head-side insert has at least one elevation on the side that faces the shell-side insert.

According to a relevant advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the elevation comprises at least one predetermined breaking point. This predetermined breaking point can be designed such that a signal is triggered when the predetermined breaking point ruptures. It is thus possible to signal, in any manner, that the system was functional and that the helmet can no longer be used. In addition, an SOS emergency signal can also be transmitted.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the elevation cooperates with a damping means. A design element, which holds the shells in position and collapses in a controlled fashion upon impact, is preferably disposed around the elevation.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the elevation protrudes into the shell-side insert.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, an indicator indicates that the shell-side insert has rotated and/or is rotated relative to the head-side insert. The indicator is preferably visible on the outside and/or inside and indicates that the system was triggered. This is particularly important after an accident, because protective helmets often times appear to be intact outwardly, although they have had to absorb large amounts of energy. The indicator indicates that the system has moved and thus rotational energy has been absorbed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the head-side insert and the shell-side insert comprise nubbed cages or the like as the wearing units.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the protective helmet according to the invention, the protective helmet is a motorcycle helmet, a car racing helmet, a winter sports helmet (skiing or snow boarding helmet), a riding helmet, a bicycle helmet, a mountain climbing helmet, an industrial safety helmet, a police helmet, a firefighter's helmet, a jet fighter helmet, a military helmet or the like.

A molded part can preferably be joined to the shell if the wall thickness of the EPS part becomes too thin at the edges of the two shells (the head-side insert and the shell-side insert). This molded part can support smooth sliding of the system, and accommodate additional functional parts of the helmet (for example foams, straps, textile components).

A chin strap fastening point (KBP) can preferably be provided in the vicinity of the pivot of the rotational system (RDP) or at least on the connecting line between a chin strap fastening point (KBP) and a chin strap support point (KAP). An additional functional part can be used to bring the position of the chin strap to the connecting line of the (RDP) and the support point of the chin strap (KAP) in the case of a rotational function.

In another advantageous arrangement, the chin strap can be attached on a rotational line around the pivot of the rotational system. The chin strap can always maintain the same distance from the rotational pivot on this line. In the case of particularly large displacements, the chin strap slides against a stop and is then tightened in a controlled manner. This arrangement fulfills the function of a strap tensioner upon impact with a rotary motion.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for mitigating or preventing a head injury resulting from a blow caused by rotary motion by means of a protective helmet, wherein the protective helmet comprises an outer shell produced from a hard material and an inner wearing unit that absorbs impact on the head and is disposed on the inner face of the outer shell, and wherein the inner wearing unit is divided into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, wherein the side of the head-side insert facing away from the head has a spherical surface at least in some regions and the mutually facing sides of the head-side insert and shell-side insert correspond to one another at least partially, so that the striking blow rotates the shell-side insert relative to the head-side insert, a protective helmet.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the claims.

The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention and will be described in detail hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional views of a conventional protective helmet;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views of a first embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8 to 10 show the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 5 during a blow from behind;

FIG. 11 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 5 during a blow from the front;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIG. 13 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 12 during a blow from the front;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIG. 15 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 14 during a blow from the front;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIG. 17 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 16 during a blow from behind;

FIGS. 18 and 19 show front views of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIG. 20 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention in FIG. 18 during a blow from the side;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of an inner wearing unit of a protective helmet according to the invention;

FIGS. 23 to 25 are detailed views of the inner wearing unit according to FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a protective helmet according to the invention comprising the inner wearing unit in FIG. 22, and

FIG. 27 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention of FIG. 22 during a blow from behind.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show sectional views of a conventional protective helmet. This helmet comprises a hard outer shell 1, on the inner face 2 of which the inner wearing unit 3 is disposed. The inner wearing unit 3 has an inner face 4, the oval shape of which is adapted to a human head 5 (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show sectional views of a first embodiment of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. The shock-absorbing, or shock-absorbing and comfort-providing, inner wearing unit surrounded by the hard outer shell 1 is divided into a shell-side insert 7 and a head-side insert 8, with the outer face 9 of the head-side insert 8 that faces away from the head 5 (see FIG. 4) having a spherical surface at least in some regions, and the outer face 9 of the head-side insert 8 corresponding to the inner face 2 of the shell-side insert 7.

The shell-side insert 7 and the head-side insert 8 of the inner wearing unit are preferably connected to one another so that they can be displaced freely relative to one another in all directions, whereby they form a displaceable system. Preferably, after displacement, this is restored to the starting position. This can be effected, for example, by an elastic layer or an elastic band. To this end, the trigger force of the system is always less than the force required to return the system to the starting position.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. In this embodiment, an intermediate layer 10 is disposed between the head-side insert 8 and the shell-side insert 7, this layer comprising an inner face 11 and an outer face 12 and preferably being produced from a harder material. The outer face 13 of the shell-side insert 7 corresponds to the inner face 2 of the outer shell 1. Likewise, the inner face 2 of the shell-side insert 7 corresponds to the outer face 12 of the intermediate layer 10, and the outer face 9 of the head-side insert 8 corresponds to the inner face 11 of the intermediate layer 10. The intermediate layer 10 is rigidly connected to the shell-side insert 7 or the head-side insert 8.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show sectional views of the protective helmet 6 according to the invention of FIG. 5. The shell-side insert 7 can be rotated around a pivot 14 on the head-side insert 8.

FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 show the operating principle of the protective helmet 6 according to the invention of FIG. 5. During a blow from behind, the head-side insert 8 rotates forward, together with the outer shell 1, around the pivot 14 in the direction of the arrow 15. Likewise, force in the direction of the arrow 16 results in impact on the ground 17 and thus a force is applied in the direction of the arrow 18 so that the head-side insert 8 is rotated forward, together with the outer shell 1, in the direction of the arrows 15.

FIG. 11 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet 6 according to the invention in FIG. 5. During a blow from the front, the head-side insert 8 rotates backward, together with the outer shell 1, around the pivot 14 in the direction of the arrow 19.

FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. Here, the head-side insert 8 and the shell-side insert 7 are connected to one another by connecting means 20. The connecting means 20 comprise predetermined breaking points 21, which rupture, for example, during a blow from the front, so that the head-side insert 8 rotates backward, together with the outer shell 1, around the pivot 14 in the direction of the arrow 19 (FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. Here, the head-side insert 8 comprises an elevation 22, which projects into the region of the shell-side insert 7. The elevation 22 is surrounded by a damping means 23, which is compressed during a blow from the front, while the head-side insert 8 rotates backward, together with the outer shell 1, around the pivot 14 in the direction of the arrow 19 (FIG. 15). In order that the forces in each direction of movement be equal, the damping means 23 can preferably be a foam ring, which is introduced, for example cylindrically, in the upper region of the protective helmet 6.

FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. The head-side insert 8 here comprises two elevations 22. The elevations 22 comprise predetermined breaking points 21, which rupture, for example, during a blow from behind, so that the head-side insert 8 rotates forward, together with the outer shell 1, around the pivot 14 in the direction of the arrow 15 (FIG. 17).

FIGS. 18 and 19 show front views of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. It is clearly apparent that the head-side insert 8 and the shell-side insert 7 have a common pivot 14, so that, for example during a lateral blow, the head-side insert 8 rotates together with the outer shell 1 around the pivot 14 in the direction of the arrow 24 (FIG. 20).

FIG. 21 shows a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a protective helmet 6 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the head-side insert 8 and the shell-side insert 7 comprise nubbed cages.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of an inner wearing unit of a protective helmet 6. In this conceivable embodiment of the inner wearing unit, an intermediate layer 10 is disposed between the head-side insert 8 and the shell-side insert 7, this layer comprising an inner face 11 and an outer face 12, and preferably being produced from a harder material. The outer face 13 of the shell-side insert 7 corresponds to the inner face 2 of the outer shell 1. Likewise, the inner face 2 of the shell-side insert 7 corresponds to the outer face 12 of the intermediate layer 10 and the outer face 9 of the head-side insert 8 corresponds to the inner face 11 of the intermediate layer 10. The intermediate layer 10 has straps 26 that are fixed by pins 25 and fastening means 27, preferably elastic, and an edge 28, in which the shell-side insert 7 can be introduced. A mounting 29, which has an edge 30 in which the head-side insert 8 can be introduced, is used to fix the head-side insert 8.

FIGS. 23 to 25 show detailed views of the inner wearing unit in FIG. 22. The fastening means 27 can be fixed to the mounting 29 in holes 31.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a protective helmet according to the invention comprising an inner wearing unit of FIG. 22; and FIG. 27 shows the operating principle of the protective helmet according to the invention of FIG. 22 during a blow from behind.

All the characteristics shown here can be essential for the invention, both individually and in any arbitrary combination with each other.

List of Reference Numerals 1 Outer shell 2 Inner face 3 Inner wearing unit 4 Inner face 5 Head 6 Protective helmet 7 Shell-side insert 8 Head-side insert 9 Outer face 10 Intermediate layer 11 Inner face 12 Outer face 13 Outer face 14 Pivot 15 Direction of arrow 16 Direction of arrow 17 Base 18 Direction of arrow 19 Direction of arrow 20 Connecting means 21 Predetermined breaking point 22 Elevation 23 Damping means 24 Direction of arrow 25 Pin 26 Strap 27 Fastening means 28 Edge 29 Mounting 30 Edge 31 Hole 

1. A protective helmet for a head, comprising an outer shell produced from a hard material, and an inner wearing unit that absorbs an impact to the head and is disposed on an inner face of the outer shell, the inner wearing unit being divided into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, with a side of the head-side insert facing away from the head comprising a sliding surface at least in some regions, and mutually facing sides of the head-side insert and the shell-side insert corresponding to one another at least partially, the shell-side insert being rotatable relative to the head-side insert in at least one direction.
 2. The protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the sliding surface is a spherical surface and/or a rotationally symmetrical body.
 3. The protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head-side insert and the shell-side insert have different densities.
 4. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein densities that occur in head-side insert and/or in the shell-side insert vary.
 5. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head-side insert and/or the shell-side insert have surfaces with no irregularities.
 6. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head-side insert and/or the shell-side insert have golf ball structured surfaces so as to countersink the imprints of nozzles in a EPS shaping process and prevent irregularities on the surface.
 7. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate layer is disposed between the head-side insert and the shell-side insert.
 8. The protective helmet according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate layer is rigidly connected to the head-side insert or the shell-side insert.
 9. The protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is harder than the head-side insert.
 10. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head-side insert and/or the shell-side insert are connected to one another by at least one connecting means.
 11. The protective helmet according to claim 10, wherein the connecting means comprises at least one predetermined breaking point.
 12. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head-side insert has at least one elevation on the side facing the shell-side insert.
 13. The protective helmet according to claim 12, wherein the elevation comprises at least one predetermined breaking point.
 14. The protective helmet according to claim 12, wherein the elevation cooperates with a damping means.
 15. A protective helmet according to claim 12, wherein the elevation projects into the shell-side insert.
 16. A protective helmet according to claim 1, comprising an indicator that indicates that the shell-side insert has rotated and/or is rotated relative to the head-side insert.
 17. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the head-side insert and/or the shell-side insert comprise nubbed cages or the like.
 18. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein the protective helmet is a car racing helmet, a winter sports helmet, a riding helmet, a bicycle helmet, a mountain climbing helmet, an industrial safety helmet, a police helmet, a firefighter's helmet, a jet fighter helmet, a military helmet or the like.
 19. A method for mitigating or reducing a head injury resulting from a blow caused by a rotary motion by means of a protective helmet, the protective helmet comprising an outer shell produced from a hard material and an inner wearing unit that absorbs impact on the head and is disposed on the inner face of the outer shell the inner wearing unit being divided into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, with a side of the head-side insert that faces away from the head comprising a spherical surface at least in some regions, and the mutually facing sides of the head-side insert and the shell-side insert corresponding to one another at least partially, so that the shell-side insert is rotated relative to the head-side insert by a striking blow.
 20. The method of providing a protective helmet according to claim
 1. 